Cameroon hosts 22nd international cycling tour with nine nations competing

The 22nd Tour du Cameroun, an international cycling race, officially commenced on Wednesday in Maroua, the capital of Cameroon's Far North region. State broadcaster CRTV announced the launch of the event, which marks the start of a multi-stage competition across the country.

A total of 46 cyclists representing nine nations embarked on the inaugural stage. This opening leg spanned 127.9 kilometers, connecting Maroua to Mora and back. The victory in this first stage went to Rodrigue Eric Kuéré Nounawé, a Cameroonian rider competing for the SNH Vélo Club, one of two local teams participating.

This year's race aims to succeed the 2025 champion, Algeria's Islam Mansouri. The Tour du Cameroun is set to cover a total distance of 1,052.3 kilometers across ten stages. The route will traverse seven of Cameroon's ten regions, offering a varied terrain that includes flat stages, criteriums, and an individual time trial.

Organizers have introduced some new elements for this edition, including a time trial scheduled to take place in Limbé, located in the country's Southwest region. The prestigious cycling event is slated to conclude on June 14, with the final stage finishing on the Boulevard du 20 mai in the capital city, Yaoundé.